If you’re looking for easy canned ham recipes or wondering how to cook canned ham at home, you’re not alone. With our upcoming Ham Giveaway on March 30, we started thinking about the best ways to prepare this classic staple. A quick Google or Pinterest search for canned ham recipes will give you hundreds of ideas but it can be hard to know where to start.

So, we went straight to the experts at Potawatomi Casino Hotel and asked a simple question: How can someone cook canned ham at home in a way that actually impresses their family?

Our chefs delivered three Chef’s Choice recipes designed to turn a simple canned ham into a standout meal. Keep reading to discover which recipe you’ll want to try with your free ham.

Chef Sepe’s Ham Salad

Ham Salad is versatile – it can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. On slider buns or toasted brioche. You can truly enjoy this dish your way. It’s a dish that you can prepare in the morning or the night before and forget about until supper time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups finely chopped cooked ham
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 2–3 tablespoons sweet or red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 1/2–1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Salt only if needed

Instructions

1. Finely chop the ham to your desired texture. For a smoother salad, pulse briefly in a food processor. For a chunkier texture, hand chop.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine ham, celery, onion, relish, parsley, and dill.
3. In a separate small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
4. Fold the dressing into the ham mixture until evenly coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add additional lemon juice for brightness or a few extra drops of Worcestershire for deeper savory flavor. Add salt only if necessary.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Like we said, you can enjoy this dish YOUR way, but here are some serving suggestions from Chef Sepe:

• Sandwiches or croissants
• Toasted brioche
• Crackers
• Lettuce cups
• Mini slider rolls

Let us know in the comments or on social media if you have tried this recipe or if your family has a different way of preparing Ham Salad.

Herb-Infused Ham & Potato Casserole

Everyone loves a good casserole, especially when the weather is still a little chilly, like it is in Wisconsin. This take on a traditional potato casserole will leave your guests wanting more. From the melty cheeses to the pop of crunch – everyone will be asking for seconds in no time.

Ingredients

• 30 oz frozen diced hash browns, thawed OR 2½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced small
• 2–3 cups diced ham
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• Salt to taste

Cheese Blend:

• 1½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• ½ cup Gruyère, shredded
• ½ cup Swiss, shredded

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (mix together)

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine potatoes, ham, soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, white pepper, salt, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Swiss. Mix until evenly coated.
3. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Add additional cheddar on top if desired. Add buttered cornflake topping if using.
4. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes until hot, bubbling, and lightly golden on top.
5. Remove from oven and let rest 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chives and parsley before serving.

There you have it, a delicious ham and potato casserole that will warm you and your family up on those chilly spring days. Let us know in the comments or on social media if you have tried this recipe and what your favorite part is.

Old Fashioned Ham Glaze

Chef Sepe took something that most Wisconsinites know and love and added it to ham – the Old Fashioned. Now our Old Fashioned Ham Glaze recipe might be without brandy, but everything else, from the pineapple, cherries, and bitters, is all there. Read on to see how you can elevate your ham glaze with this Chef Choice recipe.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups pineapple juice
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8–10 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 cup small-diced pineapple, drained well (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained well
• Pinch kosher salt
• Pinch fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and butter.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking until sugar fully dissolves.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Add Angostura bitters, diced pineapple, and chopped cherries.
5. Simmer an additional 5–7 minutes until glossy and syrupy but still brushable.
6. Taste and adjust with additional vinegar for brightness or a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

Application for a 3-lb Ham

• Cook ham according to recipe before glazing.
• During the last 45 minutes of cooking the ham, brush with glaze lightly every 15–20 minutes.
• Apply a heavier coat of glaze during the final 10 minutes.
• Optional: Briefly broil at the end for shine and light caramelization.

There you have it, three Chef’s Choice recipes to try with your canned ham or any ham to wow your family and friends. Don’t forget, our Ham Giveaway is Monday, March 30, starting at 12 p.m. at Potawatomi Provisions. To reserve your canned ham, activate your ticket on any promotional kiosk starting at 11 am.

Looking for more? Check out our YouTube page to watch Chef Sepe go through each recipe and check out other Chef’s Choice recipes while you are there.

Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, and X when you try these recipes!

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